If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that beauty is all about balance—finding products that not only make you look your best but also feel effortless to use. From glow-giving essentials to clever skin refreshers, these are the staples currently shaping my routine.
Illuminator: Tom Ford Soleil Glow Drops
There’s something about a good illuminator that feels indulgent. My current obsession? The Tom Ford Soleil Glow Drops in Liquid Sky. It’s limited edition, which makes it feel all the more special, and the formula has quickly become a versatile favorite.
I’ve worn it two ways: blended into my foundation for an all-over radiance or dotted onto the high points of my face as a classic liquid highlighter. Both approaches deliver a lit-from-within glow that feels polished but never heavy. Bonus points: the formula skips parabens and sulfates, and it’s enriched with soothing aloe leaf juice, which makes it as kind to skin as it is luminous.
Setting Spray: Make Up For Ever Light Velvet Air
My very first setting spray was from Make Up For Ever, and it set the bar high. Their original mist is perfect if you love a dewy finish, but for someone like me—whose skin leans combination-to-oily—the brand’s Light Velvet Air Setting Spray is a true game-changer.
This version is designed with shine control in mind, leaving a soft matte finish that still looks natural. It keeps makeup locked in place without that tight, overly powdered effect. Think of it as the perfect finishing step when you want to stay fresh all day (or night) without worrying about excess shine creeping in.
Body Highlighter: Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. All Over Glow
Face highlighters are everywhere, but finding one for the body that actually works? That’s a challenge I’ve struggled with for years. Many formulas I’ve tried were patchy, greasy, or just too glittery. Then came Huda Beauty’s N.Y.M.P.H. All Over Body Highlighter.
This one is different. It’s water-based, so it absorbs seamlessly into the skin instead of sitting on top or transferring onto clothes. The pigmentation is impressive—it gives a gorgeous, even sheen that feels more like radiant skin than makeup. I’ve been reaching for it anytime I want that subtle “just-stepped-into-sunlight” glow on my shoulders, collarbones, or legs.
Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Daytime makeup for me is all about keeping things light and breathable, which is why I’ve been living in Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer. This cult favorite has recently been reimagined into an expanded range of shades, and I’ve found myself switching between Natural and Wheat depending on how much sun I’ve gotten.
It’s everything you want from a tinted base: sheer but buildable coverage, a healthy glow that doesn’t veer into greasy territory, and a formula that feels more like skincare than foundation. On busy mornings, it’s the one product I can count on to even things out and leave my skin looking fresh—no complicated layering required.
Skincare Mist: Eminence Mattifying Spray
There’s something nostalgic about rediscovering a brand you once loved, and for me, that’s been Eminence Organics. One of the first skincare labels I ever used, this natural, organic line has earned its place back in my routine—particularly with their Mattifying Spray.
Designed for oily skin, it’s more than just a quick refresh. The formula includes the Youth Shield Antioxidant Complex, a blend powered by red currant, elderflower, and magnolia bark. This antioxidant-rich cocktail protects skin against environmental stressors, hydrates, and helps maintain elasticity, all while controlling shine. I love spritzing it mid-day to reset my skin and give it that just-clean feeling without disturbing makeup.
The Bigger Picture
What ties all these favorites together is their focus on enhancing natural radiance without compromise. The Tom Ford glow drops deliver customizable luminosity; Make Up For Ever’s setting spray ensures a long-lasting finish without shine; and Huda Beauty’s body highlighter finally solves the search for a glow that looks seamless on skin. Meanwhile, Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer keeps daytime coverage easy and natural, and Eminence’s spray offers a hit of both skincare and refreshment.
Each one blends performance with a thoughtful formulation—whether it’s skipping unnecessary additives, leaning into natural ingredients, or creating textures that feel weightless yet effective. Together, they’ve built a routine that feels less about “covering up” and more about bringing out the best version of skin, face, and body.
Because at the end of the day, beauty isn’t just about how products look in the bottle—it’s about how seamlessly they fit into your life, how confident they make you feel, and how much joy they add to the simple act of getting ready.
